UNT bans alcohol at all Greek Life events

The decision comes after a late-night fall sent a junior to Parkland.

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Justin Starks

DENTON — Following a fraternity house fall that left a student hospitalized, the University of North Texas in Denton has decided to ban alcohol “at all Greek Life events.”

Dustin Starks, a junior at the University of North Texas, was sent to Parkland Memorial Hospital on January 26, after a 4:30 a.m. fall over a stairway railing at the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house. Parkland officials confirm this morning that Starks, a member of Sigma Nu, is still there, and remains in serious condition.

UNT officials say campus police obtained arrest warrants for seven people believed to have given booze to minors. According to a release from the university, an 11-day investigation turned up evidence that “minors allegedly were furnished alcohol at multiple locations on and off campus January 25 and 26.”

In tandem with the ban announcement, there will be a task force formed “to promote the responsible and legal use of alcohol,” according to a release dispatched by the university last night.

“Furnishing alcohol to a minor is illegal, and so is the consumption of alcohol by minors, says Elizabeth With, vice president for student affairs, in the UNT statement. “When it comes to our students, UNT will not tolerate either and we are committed to help prevent it from happening. … With the creation of this task force we will be taking more aggressive steps to educate our students about the risks of underage drinking. And we are starting with our Greek community.”

Students told WFAA-Channel 8 last night that, look, drinking’s not bad on the Denton campus. And it’s worse elsewhere. Nevertheless, UNT insists its serious about this, per last night’s release:

The Dean of Students is investigating all violations of the Code of Student Conduct and will take actions accordingly.

The ban on alcohol means that alcohol is strictly prohibited at all Greek Life events, either on or off campus. A Greek Life event includes, but is not limited to, parties, mixers and icebreakers, date parties, formals or any event involving a Greek student organization.

The task force will include Greek Life students, chapter and campus advisors to Greek organizations, and faculty.

“The task force outcomes will ensure that students are more aware of the importance of making responsible decisions, and will help guide them in reinforcing appropriate practices and standards in their organizations,” With said. “The Greek community at UNT contributes in important ways to the campus culture of academic commitment, leadership, service, personal development and pride. We need to continue to help students in Greek organizations understand that’s their organization’s focus.”